Equestrian camping opportunities expand beyond Farragut State Park's facilities near Kootenai, Idaho. This northern Idaho region sits at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet with a climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Fall temperatures drop quickly after September, with night temperatures often dipping below freezing by mid-October.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Pack River Dispersed Site provides access to backcountry trails. "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude," notes a reviewer at Pack River Dispersed Site.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes and rivers around Kootenai offer excellent fishing spots. "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus," reports a camper about Round Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks cater to various skill levels. "We hiked the Round Lake trail. It also was very well maintained," shares a camper at Round Lake State Park Campground.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer beach access for cooling off during summer months. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area," notes a visitor about Lionhead Campground.
What campers like
Quiet locations: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. "A few sites available along this road. Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful," mentions a visitor at Pack River Dispersed Site.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and amenities get high marks. "Extremely clean, looks very new, and lots of space between sights. Lacks trees, but trees just need time to grow and mature," reports a camper at Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Historic accommodations: Some sites offer unique lodging experiences. "This old Guard Station is in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest. Plenty of beds for a full family - four upstairs and one downstairs," shares a visitor at Bull River Guard Station.
Fair pricing: Many campgrounds offer good value. "The price is reasonable for an RV park in the center of a busy resort area," notes a camper at Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer. "Reservations are 9 months in advance and it is a phone call of luck that will get you this prime area," advises a camper about Lionhead Campground.
Weather considerations: Temperatures can vary drastically. "Not the best place to hang out, unless you are attending an event here... There is not much cover here so having a way to shade yourself if the summer is key to being cool in the few hottest weeks of the year," warns a reviewer at Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Road conditions: Some sites require navigating rough roads. "If you're coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way to small to handle big rig or any camper. The best route is exit 12 big rig friendly," advises an RVer.
Accessibility limitations: Not all sites accommodate all vehicle types. "No car access which makes it much quieter and less used. I was there on a hot July weekday and there were only two parties camping, both which had come by canoe," notes a visitor at Plowboy Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Beaches provide safe areas for children. "The lake is just as beautiful... Close to Sandpoint, ID which has some awesome shopping and hiking trails, plus water sports," shares a camper at Bonner County Fairgrounds.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences. "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more," notes a visitor at Lionhead Campground.
Alternative accommodations: Cabin options exist for those not tent camping. "Awesome guard station! Cozy little cabin type that fits a family of 4 perfectly. Right by the Bull River with great fishing and fly fishing areas and swimming in the Bull River," shares a visitor about Bull River Guard Station.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Look for campgrounds with adequate room between sites. "The sites are all pretty level with the parking areas paved. Grass and groomed gravel areas too. There are various sized sites most are back in. When checking online, and that's where you must reserve your site, there is a very good map with the site lengths listed," advises an RVer at Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Hookup availability: Electricity and water access varies by location. "Great place to stay. Nice back in sites with picnic table. Electric and water at site. Dump station close. Easy bike ride to Sandpoint with lots of bike paths," notes a camper at Bonner County Fairgrounds.
Size limitations: Check length restrictions before booking. "Reserve America reservations be sure to check site length. There are a few very short ones. We stayed in site 21 and our 34RLSA filled it up," warns a camper at Bonner County Fairgrounds.
